Guzmania care guide
Guzmania
Also known as: Scarlet star, Tank bromeliad
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Guzmania
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 4 days
- Keep the central cup filled and replace the old water, as a guide; moisten the potting mix only lightly once its surface dries.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 7 days
- Refresh the cup about weekly and give the mix a little water a day or two after it dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 10 days
- In the cold months keep less water in the cup and water the mix sparingly, about a few days after it dries.
Light and placement for Guzmania
A bright room with no direct sun is generally right; it grows on shaded branches in the wild, so strong light scorches the leaves, and too little dulls the colored bracts.
Overwintering Guzmania
Overwintering guide: 10°C (50°F) or above
Tender to cold: overwinter it in a room kept at about 10°C; in a cool room empty the cup and keep the mix on the dry side to protect the roots and the base of the plant.
Fertilizing and repotting Guzmania
Fertilizer
It needs very little feeding: very dilute liquid fertilizer about once a month from May to September on the mix; strong fertilizer in the cup damages the leaves.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Guzmania
- The mother plant dies back after flowering, and people mistake this natural fading for disease and throw it out.
- Keeping the mix constantly wet rots the roots.
- Direct sun at a window scorches the leaves brown.
Tips for growing Guzmania
- When the offsets that appear after flowering reach about half the parent's size, cut them off and pot them up.
- Water in the cup goes stale, so refresh it with fresh room-temperature water.
- Choose a plant whose bracts are only just coloring for the longest display.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
